NRCS announces January 18 deadline for EQIP funding in Missouri

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has set Jan. 18, 2013, as the next cut-off date for ranking applications for about $25.6 million available through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

State Conservation-ist J.R. Flores says that while NRCS accepts applications for EQIP on a continuous basis, producers must file applications by the Jan. 18 deadline to be considered for the next round of application funding. Applications filed after Jan. 18 will be considered in the next ranking period if funds remain available.

Flores says EQIP offers farmers, ranchers and forestland managers a variety of options to conserve natural resources while boosting production on their lands.

“The nearly $26 million that we have available for use in Missouri this fiscal year will go a long way toward improving the environment and the economy of Missouri’s rural communities,” he says.

EQIP provides financial assistance for a variety of conservation activities, such as irrigation water management, reduced tillage, field buffers, rotational grazing systems, animal waste management systems and much more.

• Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative: helps producers install high tunnels designed to extend the growing season into the cold months, increase productivity, keep plants at a steady temperature and conserve water and energy.

Applicants can sign up at their local NRCS service center. To find the service center nearest you, look in the telephone directory under, “U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture” or go to this website: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/NRCS employees in county offices can provide more information about EQIP and how to apply for benefits offered by NRCS through the program.